Asian dramas like
Yako No Kaidan

The gripping narrative takes place in the cardiac surgery wing of a college hospital. Ishihara portrays a young medical intern with aspirations of becoming a cardiac surgeon, all while harboring suspicions about the true circumstances surrounding her father's death during a surgical procedure.

In a peaceful neighborhood stands a house topped with a crimson roof. Nearly two decades ago, a tragic event unfolded within its walls - the brutal murder of the parents by their own daughter, Aota Ayako, and her partner, Obuchi Hideyuki. This heinous crime captured global attention, especially when Hideyuki confessed to past acts of assaulting young girls in his book "A Premature Autobiography". Throughout the trial, it was revealed that Ayako had been manipulated by Hideyuki into committing the crime, leading to his death sentence and her life imprisonment. Some time later, a new author named Ogura Sana proposed a novel idea to Hashimoto Ryo, an editor at Todoroki Shobo, based on this tragic incident. As they delved into interviews with key figures involved, such as Obuchi Reiko - who married Hideyuki while in prison - and his former mistress and skilled editor, Ichikawa Seiko, they found themselves entangled in a web of dark emotions. Little did they know, a shocking revelation awaited them, hidden from the world's knowledge.

Takashiro Kengo used to be a detective in the 1st Investigation Division of the Metropolitan Police. Ever since his daughter went missing, Kengo has become more reckless and less cautious. Currently, he is employed in the Missing Person Investigation Section of the Metropolitan Police, where he collaborates with his partner Myojin Megumi. (

Toshiro pops the question to his girlfriend Akiko after dating for three years

In a 2009 novel by Yamasaki Toyoko, a journalist discovers a confidential agreement known as the "Okinawa pact" between the Japanese and American administrations. The deputy director of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs plays a crucial role in this revelation.

In the novel "Daburuton" by Shinji Kajio, the story revolves around the unique friendship and conflicts between two individuals named Yumi, which surpasses all boundaries. Yumi Nakano, a successful career woman, and Yumi Tamura, a dedicated housewife, find themselves witnessing each other's daily lives in their dreams every night. As their memories and current realities start to intertwine, a series of unexpected events unfold. Adding to the complexity, Yumi Tamura's husband, Yohei Tamura, becomes romantically involved with both women named Yumi.

Kuwagata Koichi works as an associate professor in the Department of Literature at a lesser-known university. Despite being labeled as a skilled detective by society, he doesn't possess the typical qualities of a famous figure. While he may seem calm and composed on the outside, he harbors intense emotions within. Praise lifts his spirits, while criticism brings him down. His unconventional behavior attracts a series of challenges and mishaps, leading to a life filled with setbacks. However, he decides to turn over a new leaf, leaving behind his troubled past and embracing a more stylish lifestyle by tackling crises effortlessly in his role at the university. He tackles difficult problems with his ever-evolving creative ideas. His only confidante in his unconventional thought process is Shinno Hitomi, a sophomore studying literature at the university.

Takashi Hiyama is the manager of a cafe and has been raising his 4-year-old daughter alone since his wife Shoko passed away. Shoko was tragically killed by three 13-year-old boys several years ago. Despite being shielded by the Juvenile Act, the boys' actions resulted in Takashi and Shoko's mother facing intense media scrutiny. Despite the advice from Shoko's friend Kana Kurashina and cafe employee Yudai Chiba, Takashi decides to secretly search for the three boys. As the boys start to face mysterious attempts on their lives, detectives begin to suspect Takashi due to his previous threats of seeking revenge if the boys were not held accountable. In the midst of the chaos, Takashi is determined to uncover the truth about the boys' actions.

Shinichiro Hanasaki used to work as a detective for the police department, but now he runs a nursery called "Smiling Garden." In order to assist underprivileged families and single parents by offering affordable childcare, he operates on a very tight budget. To generate extra income, he decides to open a private detective agency at night. This storyline is based on the novel series "Hanasaki Shinichiro" by Shibata Yoshiki.

Toshiro pops the question to Akiko, his partner of three years

The narrative unfolds when a cash transport truck, carrying a staggering one million dollars in US currency, is ambushed and subsequently disappears. Concerned that an incomplete yen-dollar exchange could lead to diplomatic tensions between Japan and the United States, the Ryukyu Police establish a covert special investigation unit to address the incident. Detective Maeda Taichi is designated as the leader of this team, which includes his former classmate and rival, Yonaha of the First Investigative Division, along with five additional team members. Together, they embark on their inquiry within an 18-day deadline, engaging with Okinawa's business sector, local gangs, and US military personnel.

Based on actual cases, the narratives in the series captivate viewers and raise awareness about relevant topics with their authentic storylines and characters. The focus of this show is on the members of the Investigation Team within the Commission, tackling a total of 4 different cases throughout the series.

Animal Trail, a natural path created by the movement of wildlife, can be a lifesaver for individuals who find themselves lost in the wilderness. One day, a woman who feels overwhelmed by her difficult circumstances unexpectedly encounters a man. Desperate for a change, she decides to trust the stranger's guidance and see where the "Animal Trail" will take her. Will this path bring her joy and fulfillment, or will it lead her astray?

In a neighborhood, a man is killed by an intruder who entered his apartment unlawfully. Sergeant Kizaki, who is on duty nearby, hears a gunshot and rushes to the building. Detective Omura is already present at the crime scene. As they investigate, they make progress in identifying the perpetrator. Sergeant Kizaki begins to suspect that someone else is involved in the case. Suddenly, a young woman emerges from the darkness. Sergeant Kizaki senses a connection between her and the murders.

Tokage possesses an exceptional memory and shares Sherlock Holmes' meticulous nature. Before transitioning to a private investigator, he served as a top detective in the Metropolitan Police Department. However, a tragic error resulting in the loss of his partner led him to resign and pursue a career in private investigation. Despite his strong commitment to justice and determination to combat crime, his distant demeanor and lack of trust make collaboration challenging. These traits likely stem from the trauma of losing his partner. The storyline follows Tokage and his assistant as they collaborate with the Metropolitan Police Department on covert operations to solve complex and long-standing cases.

Kashiwagi Natsuko, a long-time resident of the United States, recently joined Adjust Research, an insurance investigation agency, as a new detective. Despite her scientific brilliance and considerable wealth, she often feels like she doesn't quite fit in with the highly logical Japanese society. In contrast, Tono Aki is a seasoned investigator at the same firm, hailing from the historic district of Tokyo and having a rough upbringing that has made her quite frugal. Despite her past as a troublemaker, she possesses exceptional memory and instincts. Together, Natsuko and Aki form an unconventional team as they tackle sophisticated crimes related to insurance fraud and uncover the truth.

Amidst a dispute between the public relations office of D Prefectural Police and the correspondents club regarding the anonymity of perpetrators, it has been decided that a director from the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department will visit the family of the victim in a significant unsolved case from 1989, just a week before the statute of limitations expires. The case involves the kidnapping and murder of Shoko-chan, which remains the most heinous crime in the history of D Prefectural Police. The family of the victim has declined the director's offer to extend condolences. A strict confidentiality order has been issued for all individuals involved in the case, including the investigators from that time. This has created a barrier between the Criminal Investigations Department and the Police Affairs Department. Additionally, a mysterious memo has surfaced, followed by a new kidnapping that bears a striking resemblance to the 1989 case just before the director's scheduled visit.

Yuki Rin lost her parents and has been residing with her elder sibling Koichiro. Koichiro used to work as an IT specialist for the government before being lured by a dangerous cyber crime organization a year ago. This event marked the downfall of Rin's once happy and ordinary life. Despite being shot by her brother, Rin miraculously survived. She was then enlisted into FACE, a covert cyber crime investigation unit established by the Cabinet, due to her exceptional profiling skills recognized by Minegishi Shugoro. With faith in Minegishi, Rin decides to join forces with the unit's members in the fight against cyber crime threats that could potentially destabilize the country.

Akitsu Wataru serves as the supervisor of the Toyama location for Maruo Holdings, a well-known supermarket chain. Following a certain incident, he is reassigned and relocates to a rural area with his family. Unexpectedly, Akitsu is summoned back to the main office to lead the compliance department. The CEO and board members harbor undisclosed intentions. The company faces multiple harassment problems, which Akitsu resolves using innovative approaches and strategies.

Rinka Umezawa, a homemaker, seeks out small joys in life. Her husband, Masabumi, is committed to supporting her. The couple does not have any children. Rinka decides to take on a part-time job at a bank, where she visits clients' homes and occasionally assists them with household tasks, earning their trust. During one visit to client Kojo Hirabayashi's home, she encounters his grandson Kota, who asks for money. This interaction has a profound impact on Rinka. Subsequently, she steals one hundred million yen from the bank and disappears. Two years later, Rinka's former classmates Yuko Okazaki and Aki Nakaji uncover her embezzlement scheme and confront their own inner demons.

Traveling to Narita in her cherished car, the wife tragically passes away in a bus accident. Her husband, Kikuo, discovers her GPS device, which reveals unknown locations she had visited. Feeling suspicious of her actions, Kikuo sets out on a quest to uncover the secrets hidden within the GPS history.

In 1990, Hagizaki Tatsuo, the head of the accounting department at Ukishima Electric Works, was busy working on securing a loan with Sekino, the company's general manager. Unfortunately, just as they were close to finalizing the loan, Sekino was implicated in a 200 million yen fraud and disappeared with the money. The company chose to conceal the incident to safeguard its reputation, but Hagizaki was determined to uncover the truth with the assistance of his journalist friend, Muraki. As Hagizaki delved deeper into the investigation, he realized the situation was more complex than he initially thought. His path crossed with Uezaki Etsuko, a captivating woman whom he believed held the key to unraveling the entire mystery. (DramaWiki)

Akizuki Haruto, a police detective taking a break to care for his child, must use his parenting experiences to crack cases in this lighthearted mystery. Juggling fatherhood with his wife Saki, Haruto unexpectedly becomes a hostage during a robbery. Despite the dangerous situation, Haruto relies on his sharp eye for detail to gather evidence and discreetly contact his fellow officers for help. As he navigates the unfolding events, he must also tend to his son Ren's needs, such as changing diapers and feeding, bringing a unique twist to his crime-solving adventures.

The series follows the story of the main character "Zegen" as he pursues vengeance following his wife's tragic death. Li Xue Lan arrives in Japan to seek employment to cover her husband's medical expenses back in China. With Zegen's help, she starts working at a massage parlor in Kawasaki. Worried about her situation due to her temporary visa, he suggests a fake marriage with an older man. Inspired by Jou Tomioka's novel.

This time, Azumi and his colleagues must collaborate to resolve different cases near Tokyo Sky Tree in Oshiage, Tokyo. They are tasked with working at a branch office in the area, functioning as both a police station and a neighborhood police box. Dealing with the complex local environment and widespread police mistrust poses ongoing challenges for them in their work.

Satoko Kurihara found contentment in her daily life alongside her husband and their son. Although the son was not biologically theirs, they had embraced him as their own after unsuccessful fertility treatments led them to explore adoption. Asato had become an integral part of their family, bringing Satoko immeasurable joy. However, everything changed when Satoko received a surprising call from Hikari Katakura, who claimed to be Asato's biological mother. This unexpected revelation left Satoko feeling overwhelmed by memories of the past.

Kazuya Takano, a former surgeon turned lawyer, is known for his exceptional intelligence and logical reasoning skills. He is recruited by the Shidanzaka Law Office after the sudden passing of the firm's founder. The late founder's daughter, also a lawyer, enlists Kazuya's help in reviving the law office. Working alongside four other lawyers in room 1, they specialize in criminal cases. Each of the four lawyers comes from diverse backgrounds and possesses unique personalities. The team consists of the late founder's rookie daughter, a former NEET with an inferiority complex, a proud ex-judge, and a compassionate ex-detective.

1. Hiroko Tagami, known as "Sheahausa Nai," is an independent writer interested in exploring the reasons behind self-sufficient adults choosing to live together in shared housing. To conduct her research, she immerses herself in a shared house inhabited by four working professionals. 2. The implementation of a new communication law, "Riaju Saiban," aims to assess individuals' commitment to leading fulfilling lives. Tomoko Yazawa's life is impacted when she unexpectedly receives a postcard related to this law. 3. Kojiro Kanayama, a dedicated kindergarten teacher, faces challenges in engaging his young students and fostering their enthusiasm for learning. 4. Kaori Honda, a devoted mother and online news writer, finds fulfillment in her job as she caters to the needs of internet users. 5. In "Wakiyaku Battle Royale," a renowned director organizes an audition in which six individuals, including Atsushi, compete for a coveted role.

Taking place three months after the conclusion of the initial season of "Justice in a Balance," the story unfolds following the mysterious disappearance of Takano Kazuya from the Shidanzaka Law Office. Despite Saeki Mei's attempts to reach out to Takano Kazuya, he remains elusive. During this period, the lawyers in room 1 are confronted with challenging cases, such as Kiryu Miyuki's pursuit of a retrial for a case in which she previously served as the judge and delivered a guilty verdict.

Matsuoka Naoki, a journalist at Yamato Newspaper's business desk, is reassigned to the political desk. During a press conference with Chief Cabinet Secretary Kondo, Matsuoka catches Kondo's attention by asking about a safe discovered in Minato, Tokyo. As a result, Matsuoka is tasked with covering Kondo and joins the exclusive "top league" group of reporters who investigate high-ranking government officials. Meanwhile, Matsuoka's former colleague, Sakai Yuji, now works for a weekly magazine and also delves into the mystery of the safe in Minato. A robbery occurs involving someone Sakai had previously reported on regarding the safe. This event leads to Matsuoka and Sakai reuniting after a decade and uncovering a government scandal. This story is based on the novel "Top League" by Hideo Aiba.

This is a tale of a regular individual who will stop at nothing to rescue his dear wife from danger. Lee Yan Long, a computer engineer, and his wife, Chiu Cheuk Wing, lead a simple and happy life. One day, they are abducted by a criminal organization known as the triads. Accusing Lee Yan Long of stealing $100 million, they demand the money back within 72 hours or they will harm Chiu Cheuk Wing. Seeking help from the police, Lee Yan Long is reunited with his old friends, detective Leung Hiu Yeung and Tong Mei Lan, his high school crush. Together, they uncover a connection to a youth hostel where Lee Yan Long used to stay, which has now become a hub for illegal money transactions. As they delve into the past of the hostel's former guests, they narrow down their suspect to Cheung Chi Kin. With time running out to save his wife, Lee Yan Long unravels shocking truths about Tong Mei Lan, Leung Hiu Yeung, Cheung Chi Kin, and even Chiu Cheuk Wing herself.

The mystery drama revolves around the bittersweet tale of love and sorrow. Yukari, a vibrant and free-spirited young woman, leaves a lasting impact on those she encounters with her vivacious personality. After her unexpected death, her jealous younger sister, Reiko, and naive fianc , Yoshio, team up with the charming entertainer Hajime, the last person to see her alive. Together, the unlikely trio must work together to uncover the truth behind Yukari's sudden passing. By delving into the contacts in her phone, they embark on a journey to interview those who were connected to Yukari in order to unravel the enigma surrounding her demise. However, as they uncover Yukari's hidden past, they are met with shocking revelations that challenge their understanding of her true identity.

This series follows the story of Moriguchi Keijiro, a former doshin (police officer) in Edo during the early 1800s. Known for his acts of kindness and generosity during his time in service, Keijiro later becomes the caretaker of a merchant's estate in Negishi after retiring. Despite his new role, Keijiro finds himself entangled in various predicaments brought to him by those in need, which he resolves with the help of his close friends - Otose, Sashichi, Kichiji, and Tatsukichi. Through assisting others and witnessing the ups and downs of life, Keijiro is able to overcome his own sorrows and discover true happiness.

"Sakurasho no Onnatachi" is a detective show that began as a standalone episode in September on TV Asahi's "Doyo Wide Gekijo" drama series. The team of female investigators is headed by Takashima Reiko, reprising her role from the original special. Toyota Maho, Mano Azusa, and Nakamura Tamao are also making a comeback, albeit with new character names.

In his second year as an unemployed college graduate, Shirato Osamu (played by Chiba Yudai) is known for his kind-hearted nature and shy demeanor. Despite being overlooked by girls, his life takes an unexpected turn when he reunites with his childhood friend Kurosaki Hitoshi (portrayed by Hongo Kanata). Shirato finds himself unexpectedly popular due to some incidents, leading him into various troublesome situations. Although he would prefer to focus on finding a job, he struggles to turn away from the cases he becomes involved in.

Kurotani Nanami was raised in a low-income farming family that did not receive enough support from the government after the earthquake. While attending university, she works at a club and sends money to her family regularly. One day, Shioda Yusuke, the young CEO of Naguri Construction, and his colleague Miyazato Kazuki visit the club where Nanami works. Intrigued by their involvement in ODA (official development assistance) work and the questionable money associated with it, Nanami becomes curious about the financial side of international aid. She forms a connection with Miyazato, who has connections to powerful politicians and is a key figure in his company. In exchange for a job at an ODA-related company, Nanami agrees to a relationship with Miyazato, fully aware of the corrupt nature of this world. Despite the risks, she is determined to leave poverty behind and explore this murky realm. Miyazato introduces Nanami to Gohongi Consultants, a company closely linked to his own, opening the door to a world of international aid filled with kickbacks, bribes, concessions, and political games.

At the stroke of midnight, Sato (played by Gaku Hamada) finds himself near Tachikawa Station, still dressed in his suit, rushing to catch the final train of the night. Along with several other commuters, Sato races towards the station, only to be split into two separate groups at a crossroad. Opting to follow the group that veers down an alleyway, Sato ultimately misses the train by a hair's breadth as it pulls away from the platform. Alone and disoriented, Sato wanders through Tachikawa Station, only to find himself in a deserted park. There, he encounters a peculiar-looking man who approaches him despite Sato's attempts to avoid conversation. Feigning intoxication, Sato's ruse is quickly uncovered by the man, leading to an unexpected night spent together.

Approximately 1,300 to 2,000 individuals lose their lives due to medical errors in Japan annually. The Medical Accident Investigation Committee (MAIC) was formed to investigate the root causes of these incidents and prevent their recurrence. Comprising medical professionals and legal experts, the committee conducts covert inquiries at suspicious healthcare facilities to uncover hidden truths and eradicate wrongdoing. Leading the Seventh Unit of MAIC is Hanaoka Akira, a gastroenterologist known for his relentless pursuit of the truth. When suspicions arise during their investigations, Akira and his team persistently gather evidence to uncover the facts. Following orders from MAIC's director Toyama Akiyo, Akira and his team are tasked with probing a medical mishap at Myoe Medical University Hospital. An anonymous tip suggests that three kidney cancer patients under the care of Dr. Mizukawa Ryoichi suffered kidney failure and perished following laparoscopic surgery. Infiltrating the hospital under the guise of a surgical nurse, Akira approaches Mizukawa, while his colleagues Kamoshida Mitsugu and Iwasaki Sawa pose as a patient and her daughter to conduct their own investigation. Despite Mizukawa's reputation as a skilled physician, Akira remains suspicious. Meanwhile, Toyama confronts Mizukawa's superior, Professor Onodera, with cryptic words hinting at a deeper conversation to come.

The narrative focuses on the enduring feud between police officer Tatsuro Ozeki and journalist Kohei Itagaki. A quarter of a century ago, Itagaki's article on Ozeki's case investigation led to Ozeki being removed from his position. In the meantime, Itagaki faced animosity from politicians and large corporations while working as a journalist. The story unfolds as the two former frontline figures reunite in Tokyo.

With only one year left until his retirement, Ozeki Tatsuro is reassigned to the Criminal Affairs Division at Omori Rinko Police Precinct. Although he had found fulfillment in the Police Affairs Division and preferred to avoid investigation scenes, he accepts the new assignment without much enthusiasm and dedicates himself to the investigations. While working on a case, he visits Shizue, the widow of Maekawa Hiroki, a senior detective who has recently passed away. On the other hand, Itagaki Kohei returns to freelance writing and teams up with the lively journalist Katayama Asuko for a magazine assignment. Despite his wife's worries, Itagaki decides to pursue a career in journalism. The discovery of a woman's body, Kimizuka Hitomi, in a riverbed in Ota Ward reveals that her child from a previous marriage is not listed in any family register. As Ozeki delves deeper into the victim's background, he becomes suspicious of the investigation's direction. A previous case involving a coerced confession leads Ozeki to question the integrity of his former mentor, a senior detective. Strangely, Itagaki becomes involved in the same case as Ozeki, leading them to cross paths once again at the crime scene.

Lee Min Suk becomes enamored with Son Mi Na, but she unexpectedly vanishes one day. Subsequently, he encounters and develops feelings for Nam Soo In. However, a year after Son Mi Na's mysterious disappearance, her remains are discovered, and Lee Min Suk is identified as the primary suspect in her murder.

Based on the book "Undercover Officer" by Hai Yan.

"Big Money!" is a gripping tale of a young man who delves into the world of stock exchange under the guidance of an experienced investor. Shirato Norimichi survives on his parents' financial support and his luck at pachinko while searching for a stable job. His life takes a turn when he is approached by a mysterious elderly man named Kozuka Taihei, a former legendary trader. Despite the enigma surrounding Kozuka, Shirato decides to work for him and gets absorbed into the world of stock market numbers. Eventually, Shirato discovers Kozuka's plan to take down Matsuba Bank, one of the world's top banks. The two men, with a significant age gap, then team up to challenge Matsuba and its elite bankers, including Yamazaki Fumihiko.

Assistant Inspector Fukuie may not fit the typical image of an assistant inspector, but once she delves into an investigation, she becomes completely focused on uncovering the truth. She pays little attention to the hierarchical structure of the organization or the prospect of career advancement. If she has uncertainties, she will not hesitate to pursue her own line of inquiry, regardless of her superiors' opinions. On the other hand, her boss Inspector Ishimatsu holds a starkly contrasting perspective. He values organizational structure and discipline, adhering strictly to protocol. Since Fukuie joined his team, his pride has suffered as she often disregards his instructions to conduct investigations independently, eventually achieving success and enabling him to take credit for her accomplishments. Despite Ishimatsu's preference for conventional investigative methods, Fukuie's unorthodox approach consistently yields results that leave him feeling embarrassed.

Takasugi Atsuro used to work as a drama director at a production company until his boss stole his proposal and belittled him, leading him to quit in anger despite being in debt. Together with his broke assistant director Sonobe Yuto, they hatch a plan to kidnap a wealthy family's dog. However, their scheme is interrupted by the unexpected arrival of a mysterious woman named Mikami Natsuko and the child of the targeted family, Shibui Takumi. Takumi proposes that they should kidnap him instead. Later that night, a man claiming to be John Lennon calls and accuses Takasugi of kidnapping Takumi. The true motive behind this mysterious turn of events remains unclear.

Fujiko is a unique serial killer driven by a thirst for blood. After surviving a horrific massacre that claimed the lives of her entire family at the age of 11, she was left with deep emotional scars. Unbeknownst to her, she gradually transformed into a bloodthirsty murderer seeking solace in her actions. Despite her descent into darkness, she repeatedly murmurs, "I can start anew," with each kill. The question remains: what motivates her to commit these murders? Derived from Mari Yukiko's novel "Satsujinki Fujiko No Shoudou."

Tsukumo Katsumi, a former surgeon who was dismissed for an unfortunate incident resulting in a patient's death, is recommended to join Miki Clinic by his former mentor, Professor Mimori. The clinic, run by director Miki Shoichiro, caters to high-profile clients seeking discreet medical care. As Tsukumo settles into his new role, he uncovers a different aspect of Miki Clinic - their willingness to fulfill any request in order to alleviate patients' anxieties and allow them to focus on their treatment. Working alongside the other doctors at the clinic, Tsukumo tackles unconventional patient demands.